Lightning always follows:

Lightning always follows the path of least resistance, which is typically the easiest path through the atmosphere. This means it seeks out the most conductive route from the cloud to the ground or between clouds. The exact path can be unpredictable due to varying atmospheric conditions, but it generally avoids obstacles and areas of high resistance.

It's important to note that thunder is a result of lightning. When lightning occurs, it rapidly heats the air, causing it to expand and create a shockwave we hear as thunder. Therefore, lightning precedes thunder, not the other way around. This is why the statement "lightning always follows thunder" is correct.